Powder for .223

Powder for .223

June 8th, 2011 at 7:58pm

I'm looking for powder recommendations for 223 that do NOT result in a compressed load. I normally load a standard 55gr boat tail ball bullets. I use a lot of Winchester 748 and have had good results with it. But at 29 grs the case is filled to the brim and every time I index my 550 a little power spills out. After a 100 rds or so the press is a mess and I have to clean it. Any recommendations on powders that hold consistent and are not a compressed load?

RE: Powder for .223

September 8th, 2011 at 5:56am

I am relatively new to reloading and am still learning, but I was given a lot of reloading equipment and have begun reloading .223. I have an eight pound can of IMR 4895 and I checked the various handbooks for this powder. It starts at 23 grains, so I began loading at 24.4 grains, using a 50 grain HP bullet. I havn't range tested this load yet, but it fills the .223 case to about the shoulder only. I didn't try a load of IMR4895 closer to the max. for this powder, as I rarely go that high because I don't wish to split cases, if I can avoid it.

I also have three 8 pound cans of 2400. If anyone has data on using this powder in .223 cases, please pass it along. I think that 2400 is primarily a powder for pistol loads.

RE: Powder for .223

March 16th, 2012 at 9:18pm

I know this is a very late answer, but 25 grains of Benchmark behind a 55 grain bullet is a great load and is about 90% case capacity. A very good shooting load in my M4. (I don't like compressed loads, either.)

RE: Powder for .223

December 11th, 2016 at 4:08pm

I have been using TAC powder for my AR15 and .22-250 loads. 24.5 grains for .223 and 34.5 grains in the .22-250. Works great. I've loaded
over 200,000 rounds with this powder. My Super 1050 measures this out exact every powder drop. I am very lucky as I get this powder in bulk, 55lb. kegs for $14.57 (last price) per pound. I have probably used
700 or 800 pounds of it.

RE: Powder for .223

January 25th, 2017 at 8:36pm

I have used WW748, but find the H335 meters better and for me shoot better. I know there are other newer cleaner burning powders for the 5.56 and I have a pound on the shelf, but not used it yet. The H335 so far has been the preferred choice at least for me.